Methods, systems, and key fob apparatuses for facilitating hands free mobile communications from within an automotive vehicle

ABSTRACT

Methods, systems, and key fob apparatuses for facilitating hands free mobile communications from within an automotive vehicle are provided. The apparatus includes a key fob with a housing and a SIM associated with the housing. The SIM is operative to identify a subscriber to a mobile telephone network when interfaced with the mobile telephone network. The apparatus may further include a key integrated with the key fob and operatively associated with the SIM. The key is operative to initiate the start of an engine of the automotive vehicle and interface the SIM with a mobile telephone, such as a GSM phone, integrated with the automotive vehicle. Thus, when the key is inserted into an ignition switch operatively associated with a SIM reader, the SIM identifies a subscriber to the mobile telephone network.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/608,168, filed Sep. 8, 2004, entitled “METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND KEY FOB APPARATUSES FOR FACILITATING HANDS FREE MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS FROM WITHIN AN AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE.”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to hands free mobile or cellular communication in automotive vehicles. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to methods, systems, and apparatuses for facilitating hands free mobile communications from within automotive vehicles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of cellular phones in automobiles has increased significantly. However, historically it has been difficult and/or expensive for automobile manufacturers to provide in-vehicle “hands free” operation of cellular phone handsets. Due to mechanical and electrical differences among cellular phone designs, automobile manufacturers have not been successful in providing users a standard handset cradle capable of accommodating cellular phones from a wide variety of manufacturers.

Manufacturers have had some limited success in supporting hands free operation of cellular phones. However, the support is limited to specific handsets produced by specific handset manufacturers and supporting a single communications system technology, such as Advance Mobile Phone Service (AMPS). Meanwhile, there is increasing pressure to mandate the use of “hands free” technology in automobiles for use of cellular phones.

One communications system, Global System for Mobile communication (GSM), has become a dominant cellular technology in the world market. A key component of GSM technology is the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM). The primary role of the SIM is to authenticate a user on the GSM network and facilitate billing. SIMs are issued by GSM network service providers to subscribers. Subscribers can move their SIMs, in the form of SIM cards, from one GSM phone to another GSM phone, thus transferring their identity.

It is with respect to these and other considerations that the present invention has been made.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, systems and key fob apparatuses for facilitating hands free mobile communications from within an automotive vehicle. Mobile phone technology is built into automotive vehicles and integrated with in vehicle microphones, radio, antenna, and speakers to support hands free operation and communication. A means for receiving a SIM of a variety of subscribers, such as a slot and/or an ignition switch operatively associated with a SIM reader, is also provided. Thus, when subscribers enter any automotive vehicle equipped with an integrated mobile phone, such as a GSM phone, they simply plug in their SIM, for example into the SIM slot, and are able to use the integrated mobile phone as their own.

One embodiment of the present invention is a method for facilitating hands free mobile communications from within an automotive vehicle. The method involves provisioning mobile phone technology within the automotive vehicle and providing a means, such as a SIM slot or ignition switch, for receiving a SIM, such as a SIM card, of a subscriber within the automotive vehicle. The method also involves providing a SIM reader for reading data from the SIM of the subscriber and upon receiving the SIM, reading data from the SIM of the subscriber to authenticate the subscriber on a mobile network thereby activating the provisioned mobile phone technology within the automotive vehicle. Provisioning the mobile phone technology within the automotive vehicle involves integrating a mobile phone with an antenna, a radio, a microphone, and a speaker of the automotive vehicle whereby hands free operation of the mobile phone and communication are facilitated.

Another embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for facilitating hands free wireless communication from within an automotive vehicle equipped with an integrated mobile phone. The apparatus includes a key fob with a housing and a SIM associated with the housing. The SIM is operative to identify a subscriber to a mobile telephone network when interfaced with the mobile telephone network. The apparatus may further include a key integrated with the key fob and operatively associated with the SIM. The key is operative to initiate the start of an engine of the automotive vehicle and interface the SIM with a mobile telephone, such as a GSM phone, integrated with the automotive vehicle. Thus, when the key is inserted into an ignition switch operatively associated with a SIM reader, the SIM identifies a subscriber to the mobile telephone network.

Still another embodiment of the present invention is a system for facilitating hands free wireless communication from within an automotive vehicle. The system includes a SIM operative to identify a subscriber to a mobile telephone network and a mobile telephone integrated into the automotive vehicle. The mobile telephone is operative to interface with the mobile telephone network. The system also includes a means for interfacing the SIM with the mobile telephone integrated into the automotive vehicle thereby activating the mobile phone and authenticating the subscriber with the mobile telephone network.

These and other features and advantages, which characterize the present invention, will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description and a review of the associated drawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 a-1 b show a perspective view of the interior of an automotive vehicle having an integrated mobile phone and a schematic block diagram of the control circuit of the integrated mobile phone and operating environment in a system according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2 a-2 b show a perspective view of a key fob with an integrated key and SIM card and a block diagram illustrating an architecture of the SIM card according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front view of a conventional mobile phone handset equipped with a removable SIM card according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a key fob having an integrated key in connection with a removable SIM card according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a process for facilitating hands free mobile communication within an automotive vehicle according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As described briefly above, embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods, systems and key fob apparatuses for facilitating hands free mobile communications from within an automotive vehicle. In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustrations, specific embodiments or examples. These embodiments may be combined, other embodiments may be utilized, and structural changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

FIGS. 1 a-1 b show a perspective view of the interior of an automotive vehicle 100 having an integrated mobile phone and a schematic block diagram of the control circuit of the integrated mobile phone and operating environment in a system 120 for facilitating hands free mobile communications according to illustrative embodiments of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the automotive vehicle 100 includes a system for facilitating hands free wireless communication from within the automotive vehicle 100. The automotive vehicle 100 includes an overhead console 101 mounted to the roof of the vehicle and housing a microphone 108 for voice input with the integrated mobile phone. The overhead console 101 may also house a keyless entry system capable of communication with a key fob 103, which transmits a radio frequency signal to a keyless entry receiver located within the overhead console 101. The key fob 103 also includes a removable or permanently integrated SIM for associating a subscriber with the integrated mobile phone of any vehicle that receives the SIM. The vehicle 100 also includes an antenna 110 for receiving and transmitting radio signals and wireless communications signals for delivering wireless service, speakers 112 for audio and mobile phone voice output, a console 107 near the dash board of the vehicle and housing integrated mobile phone components such as an input keypad 109 and display device 105. The console 107 may also include a SIM slot 102 which serves as a SIM reader/writer integrated with the mobile phone for receiving a SIM 202 (FIG. 1 b), such as a SIM card, USIM or R-UIM, and interfacing the SIM 202 with the integrated phone and the mobile phone network.

In operation, the SIM may be removed from a user's portable handset phone and placed in the SIM slot 102 thereby associating the user with the integrated mobile phone in the automotive vehicle 100. Similarly, the vehicle 100 may also include an ignition switch 104 operative to receive a key having an integrated SIM 202 within the key fob 103 where the key also provides a data interface for the SIM 202 with a SIM reader/writer in connection with the ignition switch 104. Still further, a user may acquire multiple SIMs and house one of them in a key fob detached from the key. Upon entering the vehicle the user may remove the SIM from the key fob and insert the SIM in the SIM slot 102.

Turning now to FIG. 1 b the control circuit of the system 120 for facilitating hands free mobile communications according to embodiments of the present invention will be described. The system 120 includes the SIM 202 operative to identify a subscriber to a mobile telephone network and a mobile telephone integrated into the automotive vehicle and operative to interface with the mobile telephone network. The integrated mobile telephone includes the SIM slot 102 and/or the ignition switch 104 which serve as a means for interfacing the SIM 202 with the integrated mobile telephone. The integrated mobile telephone also includes a GSM module 122, to which the antenna 110 is connected, for wireless operation with external GSM stations (not shown).

The system 120 also includes a controller 124 coupled to the GSM module 122 and an audio signal processor and amplifier 127. A cassette/auxiliary output module 125 and a radio transreceiver 123 are coupled to and transmit signals to the controller 124. The controller 124 then directs the signals to the appropriate output device such as the speaker 112 and/or the earphone 128. The antenna 110 is also connected to the radio receiver 123 to provide incoming radio signals to the system 120. The speaker 112 and earphone 128 may be connected to the audio signal processor and amplifier 127 for outputting audio signals. Additionally, the microphone 108 and the GSM module 122 are connected to the signal processor and amplifier 127 to provide input signals.

The controller 124 is used to control the signal input source of the audio signal processor and amplifier 127. For example, the controller 124 may determine whether signals from the GSM module 122 are directed to the audio signal processor and amplifier 127. The audio signal processor and amplifier 127 provides input and output volume amplification and/or transfer processing. The control panel 107 is connected to the controller 124 and may house the keypad 109 and display 105 for the integrated mobile phone. The display 105 may also be used for rendering data stored on the SIM. This data may include a phone directory of the subscriber or user.

The user can activate the integrated mobile phone and receive an incoming telephone call by interfacing the SIM 202 with the integrated mobile phone either through the ignition 104 or the SIM slot 102 serving as a SIM reader which may also include a SIM writer. The SIM reader is connected to the ignition switch 104 of the automotive vehicle 100. A key having a key fob 103 housing or in connection with the SIM 202 may serve as a means for interfacing the SIM 202 with the integrated mobile telephone. When the key is inserted into the ignition switch 104, the SIM reader 102 reads data from the SIM to authenticate the subscriber on the mobile network. After activating the integrated mobile phone, the user may receive an incoming call by using applicable keys on the keypad 109 of the control panel 107 or through a voice-operated mode. The user or driver may conduct a conversation through the speaker 112 and the microphone 108 or through the earphone 128 and the microphone 108.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 a-2 b a perspective view of a key fob with an integrated key and SIM card and a block diagram illustrating an architecture of the SIM card according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention will be described. The key fob 200 includes an optical interface 204 serving as a data interface operative to start the automotive vehicle. It should be appreciated that a key fob could include a conventional key, no key, or a digital interface key. The key fob 200 also includes a SIM 202 a integrated into the housing 203 of the key fob 200. The SIM is in connection with the optical interface 204 such that when the optical interface is placed in the ignition switch 104, data from the SIM 202 a is read by the SIM reader 102.

FIG. 2 a depicts a block diagram of the SIM 202 a architecture. The SIM 202 a, such as a SIM card, is an integrated circuit card which can be removably inserted into a mobile phone handset or integrated into a key fob. The SIM 202 a can contain a subscriber's identity, such as the subscriber's phone number, in a memory 212. The SIM 202 a can also store a certain number of alphanumeric characters in order to facilitate a short message service (SMS).

The SIM 202 a communicates with the integrated mobile phone to which it is connected via an input/output (I/O) manager 205. Data received by the SIM 202 a is sent to an extended erasable read only memory (E²ROM), such as a “flash” E²ROM. Data 217 and/or directories 215 can also be output to the I/O manager 205. The remaining blocks include a CPU 207, a RAM 210 and an operating system (O/S) ROM 208.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a conventional mobile phone handset 300 equipped with a removable SIM card 202 b according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. The mobile phone handset 300 includes a SIM card slot 304 that houses the removable SIM card 202 b when the mobile handset is in operation. The SIM card 202 b may be removed from the mobile handset 300 when a driver enters the vehicle 100 and placed in the SIM slot 102 of the vehicle 100 to authenticate the driver as the user of the integrated mobile phone of the vehicle 100. It should be appreciated that the SIM card 202 b of the subscriber may be one of a plurality of SIM cards that authenticate the subscriber with a mobile phone network.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a key fob 400 having an integrated key 404, for example an extended metal component, in connection with a removable SIM card 202 c according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. The key fob 400 houses electronics operative to activate a remote keyless entry system of the automotive vehicle. The electronics interface with keyless entry remote buttons 410, 412, and 411 operative to initiate communication with a keyless entry receiver in the vehicle 100. The key 404 is also operative to initiate the start of the engine of the automotive vehicle 100.

The key fob 400 also includes contacts 402 in electrical connection with the key 404 and the SIM 202 c. When the key 404 is inserted into an ignition, such as the ignition 102 of FIG. 1, the SIM 202 c interfaces with the SIM reader 102 of the control circuit integrated into the vehicle 100 and identifies a subscriber to the mobile telephone network. The SIM 202 c may also be removed via a SIM drawer 415. The SIM drawer 415 accepts the insertion of the SIM 202 c into the key fob housing 405 and is operative to insert and remove the SIM 202 c into and from the key fob housing 405.

FIG. 5 illustrates a process 500 for facilitating hands free mobile communication within the automotive vehicle 100 according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. The process 500 begins with operation 504 where mobile phone technology is provisioned within the automotive vehicle 100. The mobile phone technology may be GSM phone technology that includes a SIM card reader for reading a SIM 202 of a subscriber. Provisioning the mobile phone technology within the automotive vehicle may include integrating a mobile phone, such as a GSM phone, with the antenna 110, the radio 123, the microphone 108, and/or the speaker 112 of the automotive vehicle 100. The display 105 and keypad 109 of the mobile phone are in the console 107 integrated with the automotive vehicle 100. This provisioned configuration helps facilitate hands free operation of the mobile phone and communication.

The process 500 continues at operation 505 a SIM slot 102 and/or an ignition switch 104 interfaced with the mobile phone technology for receiving the SIM 202 of the subscriber is provided. The SIM 202 may be a removable part of a key fob, such as the key fob 400 shown in FIG. 4. The SIM 202 may also be integrated with a key fob having an integrated key in connection with the SIM 202 such that when the key is inserted into the ignition switch 104, the SIM is interfaced with and read by the integrated mobile phone.

Next, the process 500 continues at operation 507 where the SIM 202 of the subscriber is received and read by the SIM reader to authenticate the subscriber on a mobile phone network. The process 500 then continues to operation 508 where in response to reading the SIM, the mobile phone technology is activated.

As described herein, methods, systems, and key fob apparatuses for facilitating hands free mobile communication from within an automotive vehicle are provided. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications or variations may be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. 

1. A method for facilitating hands free mobile communications from within an automotive vehicle, the method comprising: provisioning mobile phone technology within the automotive vehicle wherein the mobile phone technology is integral with a microphone and a speaker within the automotive vehicle and wherein the mobile phone technology includes means for reading a SIM of a subscriber; providing means interfaced with the mobile phone technology for receiving the SIM of the subscriber; receiving and reading the SIM of the subscriber within the automotive vehicle to authenticate the subscriber on a mobile network; and activating the mobile phone technology; wherein the SIM is integrated with a key fob having an integrated key operatively associated with the SIM and wherein receiving the SIM comprises providing an ignition switch operatively associated with a SIM card reader of the mobile phone technology, the ignition switch operative to receive the key and therein facilitate reading of the SIM, the key fob including contacts separate from the key, the contacts in electrical connection with the SIM, the contacts interfacing the SIM with the SIM card reader to enable reading of the SIM.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein provisioning the mobile phone technology within the automotive vehicle comprises integrating an antenna of the automotive vehicle, a radio of the automotive vehicle, the microphone, and the speaker of the automotive vehicle as components of a mobile phone wherein a display and a keypad of the mobile phone are integral to a console of the automotive vehicle whereby hands free operation of the mobile phone and communication are facilitated.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the mobile phone technology comprises GSM phone technology.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the mobile phone comprises a GSM phone.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the SIM is a removable part of the key fob.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the key comprises an optical interface for communicating with the ignition switch and the SIM card reader.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the SIM of the subscriber is one of a plurality of SIMs that authenticate the subscriber with a mobile phone network.
 8. An apparatus for facilitating hands free wireless communication from within an automotive vehicle equipped with an integrated mobile phone, the apparatus comprising: a key fob with a housing; a SIM internal to the housing, the SIM operative to identify a subscriber to a mobile telephone network when interfaced with the mobile telephone network; and a key integrated with the key fob and operatively associated with the SIM, the key operative to initiate the start of an engine of the automotive vehicle and interface the SIM with the mobile telephone integrated with the automotive vehicle wherein when the key is inserted into an ignition switch operatively associated with an automotive vehicle integrated mobile phone SIM reader, the SIM identifies a subscriber to the mobile telephone network, the key fob including contacts separate from the key, the contacts in electrical connection with the SIM, the contacts interfacing the SIM with the SIM card reader to enable reading of the SIM.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the housing encloses electronics operative to activate a remote keyless entry system of the automotive vehicle.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the key comprises an optical interface for insertion into the ignition switch.
 11. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising means for removing the SIM from the housing.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the means for removing the SIM comprises a SIM drawer in the housing and operative to accept insertion of the SIM and insert and remove the SIM into and from the key fob whereby when the SIM is removed from the key fob, the SIM is inserted into the SIM reader of the automotive vehicle.
 13. A system for facilitating hands free wireless communication from within an automotive vehicle, the system comprising: a SIM operative to identify a subscriber to a mobile telephone network; a mobile telephone integral with an antenna of the automotive vehicle and operative to interface with the mobile telephone network, the mobile telephone including a SIM reader; and means for interfacing the SIM with the mobile telephone integral with an antenna of the automotive vehicle; wherein the SIM reader is operatively associated with an ignition switch of the automotive vehicle and wherein the means for interfacing the SIM with the mobile telephone comprises a key fob operatively associated with the SIM wherein when the key is inserted into the ignition switch, the SIM reader reads data from the SIM, the key fob including contacts separate from the key, the contacts in electrical connection with the SIM, the contacts interfacing the SIM with the SIM card reader to enable reading of the SIM.
 14. The system of claim 13, further comprising a console display within the automotive vehicle for rendering data stored on the SIM wherein the data includes a phone directory of the subscriber.
 15. The system of claim 13, wherein the mobile telephone comprises the antenna, a speaker, a microphone, and a GSM system module of the automotive vehicle.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the SIM comprises a SIM card capable of being inserted into and removed from a mobile phone handset.
 17. The system of claim 15, wherein the mobile phone further comprises a SIM writer for writing data to the SIM and a console keypad for data interfacing with the mobile phone.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the mobile phone comprises a GSM phone. 